Moonshot AI targets US$12 billion valuation as overseas revenue surges for Kimi models

South China Morning PostCenter-RightEN 1 min read 100% complete by Vincent ChowFebruary 18, 2026 at 01:00 PM

AI Summary

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Moonshot AI, a Chinese startup known for its Kimi AI models, is seeking a valuation of up to $12 billion after securing at least $700 million in a new funding round. The funding, occurring just a month after a previous round, is driven by significant investor interest in Chinese AI companies and could nearly triple Moonshot's prior $4.3 billion valuation. The round was co-led by existing investors including Alibaba Group Holding, Tencent Holdings, Andon Hong Kong and 5Y Capital. Moonshot's Kimi K2.5 model has been recognized as a leading open-source model globally, rivaling similar US models. The company's overseas revenue has reportedly surged, contributing to its increased valuation.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

South China Morning Post 40% Artificial Analysis 40% United States 50% Andon Hong Kong ×260% 5Y Capital ×260% China 60% Kimi ×270% Alibaba Group Holding ×370% Tencent Holdings ×270% Moonshot AI ×690%

Keywords

moonshot ai 100% artificial intelligence 90% kimi models 80% funding round 70% valuation 70% investor interest 60% tencent holdings 50% ai enterprises 50% alibaba group holding 50% open models 40%

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Positive

Score: 0.40

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South China Morning Post

Political Lean

Center-Right (0.50)

Far LeftCenterFar Right

Classification Confidence

90%

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China

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis. The political bias score ranges from -1 (far left) to +1 (far right).

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